Soccer Official Formally Announces Candidacy

South Korea’s top soccer official, Chung Mong Jun, announced that he will run for president and form a new party to campaign for political reform in the December election.

Chung, an independent legislator and head of the Korea Football Assn., saw his popularity surge after June’s World Cup. South Korea, a co-host of the tournament, was the first Asian nation to make the semifinals.

Chung, controlling shareholder in Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s largest shipbuilder, did not offer a detailed agenda. But he said he would try to promote “national unity” and “regional cooperation.”